Nonwovens and the “new mobility”

February 22, 2021  |  Features

The evolution of electric vehicles relies on innovative nonwoven textiles. by Debra Cobb Nonwovens are playing an increasingly important role in automotive components as the evolution of electric and hybrid vehicles (EVs) create an imperative for transportation textiles that are lighter, quieter, st…
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Transportation textiles on the move

February 8, 2021  |  Features

Major changes in vehicles will offer opportunities to innovators in this market.  by Marie O’Mahony Recent reports illuminate key factors influencing tomorrow’s automotive textiles segment. Most notably, the automotive lightweight material market is expected to reach $247 billion by 2026, a…
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A year like no other

January 25, 2021  |  Features

Examining the past year and looking ahead to a new normal. by Janet Preus Editor’s note: What our editorial calendar intended to cover and what we actually covered in 2020 presents an interesting perspective on the larger picture, overwhelmingly impacted by a worldwide pandemic. This article is a …
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What’s new in ballistic materials

January 11, 2021  |  Features

The next leap in these protective technologies is on the horizon.  by Debra Cobb For the past few decades, para-aramid fibers and UHMWPEs (ultra-high molecular-weight polyethylene) have been the standard bearers in ballistic textiles. But the changing nature of warfare and the need to increase mobi…
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Hemp on the horizon

December 21, 2020  |  Features

Natural materials can help achieve a cost and benefit balance in sustainability goals.  by Seshadri Ramkumar COVID-19 has up-ended our normal way of life, which we may have taken for granted. With the economy suffering as a result, and with the need to create growth and employment, the manufact…
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PPE on earth and beyond

December 7, 2020  |  Features

Spacesuits and medical protective apparel share the challenges of functionality and wearability.  by Marie O’Mahony A recent webinar series, “From PPE to Spacesuits” sought to help participants gain a better understanding of shared challenges and solutions, between the two divergent end p…
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Circularity: an opportunity for innovation

November 23, 2020  |  Features

IFAI Expo participants demonstrate the various routes to a shared goal. by Marie O’Mahony Social and environmental impacts have made their mark amongst this year’s exhibitors and presenters at IFAI Virtual Expo 2020. In North America, President-elect Joe Biden has already shown his concern with …
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A vision of the future in advanced textiles

November 9, 2020  |  Features

Virtual Expo 2020 advanced textiles education notes industry progress and new opportunities.  by Janet Preus The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) opened the advanced textiles education sessions of Virtual Expo 2020 with topics designed to support the successful research, deve…
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Life-saving textiles

October 26, 2020  |  Features

Enhanced functionalities drive healthcare textiles’ growth. by Seshadri Ramkumar Healthcare textiles span a range of applications from hospital drapes to wound care and compression products used during recovery and rehabilitation after surgeries. Single-to-limited-life textile products find me…
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The expanding world of e-textiles

October 12, 2020  |  Features

IPC E-Textiles Summit covers innovations, markets and business advice. by Janet Preus A large group of presenters and attendees participated in IPC’s two-day conference on e-textiles recently, sharing insights about new technologies, the business of e-textiles, markets and trends. The textile indu…
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